# Robert Šámal > Czech mathematician **Wikidata**: [Q95146917](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q95146917) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-samal ## Summary Robert Šámal is a Czech mathematician and computer scientist specializing in discrete mathematics, particularly graph theory and combinatorics. He is a faculty member at Charles University in Prague and a recipient of the Neuron Prize for young promising scientists (2017) and the Neuron Impulse prize (2011). ## Biography - **Born:** 6 January 1977, Prague, Czech Republic - **Nationality:** Czech - **Education:** Ph.D., Charles University (doctoral advisor: Jaroslav Nešetřil) - **Known for:** Research on graph homomorphisms, combinatorial structures, and discrete mathematics - **Employer(s):** Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University (current) - **Field(s):** Discrete mathematics, combinatorics, graph theory, homomorphism ## Contributions Robert Šámal has authored a substantial body of scholarly work on the theory of graph homomorphisms and related combinatorial problems. His publications, indexed in databases such as DBLP (author ID 32/4283) and zbMATH (samal.robert), explore structural properties of graphs, algorithmic aspects of homomorphism counting, and applications to computer science. Šámal’s research has contributed to a deeper understanding of how graph mappings can be used to model constraint satisfaction problems, influencing both theoretical investigations and practical algorithm design. His work is frequently cited in studies of graph limits and combinatorial optimization, reflecting its impact across mathematics and theoretical computer science. The recognition of his contributions is evident in the Neuron Impulse prize (2011) for early‑career achievements and the Neuron Prize for young promising scientists (2017), both awarded for outstanding research in mathematics. ## FAQs ### Q: Who is Robert Šámal? A: Robert Šámal is a Czech mathematician and computer scientist known for his research in discrete mathematics, especially graph theory and combinatorics, and he works at Charles University in Prague. ### Q: What are his main research areas? A: He focuses on graph homomorphisms, combinatorial structures, and broader topics within discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science. ### Q: Which awards has he received? A: He received the Neuron Impulse prize in 2011 and the Neuron Prize for young promising scientists in 2017, both recognizing his contributions to mathematics. ### Q: Who supervised his doctoral studies? A: His doctoral advisor was the prominent Czech mathematician Jaroslav Nešetřil. ### Q: Where does he work? A: He is employed by the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University, Prague. ## Why They Matter Šámal’s investigations into graph homomorphisms have clarified fundamental connections between graph theory and computational complexity, providing tools that are now standard in the analysis of constraint satisfaction problems. By establishing new combinatorial techniques and algorithmic frameworks, his work has enabled researchers to tackle previously intractable problems in network analysis, coding theory, and optimization. The influence of his results extends to both pure mathematics—through deeper insights into graph structure—and applied computer science, where his methods inform the design of efficient algorithms. His mentorship under Jaroslav Nešetřil and his active role at Charles University also help cultivate the next generation of mathematicians in the Czech Republic, ensuring the continued growth of the field. ## Notable For - Awarded the **Neuron Prize for young promising scientists** (2017) for outstanding contributions to mathematics. - Received the **Neuron Impulse prize** (2011) recognizing early‑career research excellence. - Authored numerous peer‑reviewed papers on **graph homomorphisms** and **combinatorial theory**, indexed in DBLP and zbMATH. - Holds a faculty position at the **Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University**, a leading Czech research institution. - Mentored by renowned mathematician **Jaroslav Nešetřil**, linking him to a distinguished academic lineage. ## Body ### Early Life and Education - Born in Prague on 6 January 1977. - Completed his higher education at **Charles University**, earning a Ph.D. under the supervision of **Jaroslav Nešetřil**, a prominent figure in combinatorics and graph theory. ### Academic Position - Serves as a faculty member at the **Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University**. - Engages in teaching, supervising graduate students, and conducting research within the department. ### Research Focus - **Discrete Mathematics:** Central theme of his scholarly activity. - **Combinatorics & Graph Theory:** Develops theories on graph homomorphisms, exploring how one graph can be mapped onto another while preserving adjacency. - **Homomorphism Counting:** Investigates algorithmic aspects, contributing to the understanding of computational complexity in graph problems. ### Publications and Impact - Publications are catalogued under **DBLP author ID 32/4283** and **zbMATH author ID samal.robert**. - Papers frequently address: - Structural properties of homomorphism spaces. - Applications to constraint satisfaction and optimization. - Intersections of combinatorial theory with theoretical computer science. - His work is cited in subsequent studies on graph limits, algorithm design, and combinatorial optimization, indicating a lasting scholarly influence. ### Awards and Recognition - **Neuron Impulse prize (2011):** Acknowledged his early contributions to mathematics. - **Neuron Prize for young promising scientists (2017):** Highlighted his continued excellence and potential for future breakthroughs. ### Professional Identifiers - **ISNI:** 0000000058079381 - **GND:** 1077873689 - **VIAF:** 85210305 - **ORCID:** 0000-0002-0172-6511 (linked via employer record) - **Mathematics Genealogy Project ID:** 94740 ### Language Proficiency - Fluent in **Czech** and **English**, enabling participation in both national and international academic discourse. ## References 1. Czech National Authority Database 2. Mathematics Genealogy Project 3. [IS VaVaI](https://api.isvavai.cz/) 4. [doc. Mgr. Robert Šámal, Ph.D.. Neuron Foundation for the Support of Science](https://www.nfneuron.cz/person/robert-samal) 5. [doc. Mgr. Robert Šámal, Ph.D.. Neuron Foundation for the Support of Science](https://www.nfneuron.cz/person/robert-samal-399) 6. [Source](https://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20230206-links.txt.gz) 7. Virtual International Authority File